Do I Have To Keep Coming Out? [A Trans Day Of Remembrance Post]

 Does LinkedIn need another trans man's perspective on navigating the professional world? Based on what comes down in my feed every single day...yes.

Today, with it being Trans Day of Remembrance, I am once again forced to reflect on the complexities of navigating the professional world as an out and proud trans man. 

It is not overly dramatic so say that existing as a trans person is a constant balancing act. A daily performance where I'm expected to justify my existence at every turn.

In my career, I've often found myself in situations where my analytical mind and strategic thinking are lauded, but my identity as a trans man is met with (mainly) confusion. How am I supposed to happily exist in a world where my intelligence and capabilities are conditional upon my adherence to outdated gender norms?

Many of my colleagues probably can't understand the pressure that comes with misgendering, questioning glances, and dismissive comments. Though I do recognize that many of my allied friends choose to get offended on my behalf, that's not the reaction I'm looking for. 

I don't want anymore attention being put onto me - I just want respect.

I want the respect of people looking at the pronoun pin sitting on my jacket next to my name badge and managing to get my pronouns correct. It's very little to ask, and yet their refusal to call me "he" in conversations speaks volumes.

So, it's exhausting to constantly feel like I have to prove myself, to justify my existence in a world that is determined to categorize the people just trying to survive.

I'm not someone who can be silenced. 

I'm someone who still has a voice.

On this Trans Day of Remembrance, it's time for everyone to honor the lives of trans people whose voice was taken by violence and discrimination.

I already made by vow to create a better world. Now the next move is in the hands of my peers and colleagues to decide what kind of ally they want to be going forward.

Do you support a world where our identities are respected, our contributions valued, and our voices are heard? If the answer is no, then you might want to ask yourself if you respect me entirely or do you just respect the power of my mind?

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